Newcastle expected to make late offer for 26-year-old international – Sky journalist

Sat 22 July 2017 17:27, UK

By Harvey Byrne

Newcastle are expected to make a late bid for Osmanlispor attacking midfielder Badou N’Diaye despite West Ham being confident of his signature, according to a Sky journalist.

Sky Sports transfer reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed on his personal Twitter account on Saturday afternoon that he believes the Magpies will try to hijack a move for the 26-year-old with a last hour offer.

West Ham confident of signing Senegal midfielder Badou N'Diaye but Galatasaray want him too and Newcastle expected to make late offer
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 22, 2017

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This claim follows reports from the Sun that state officials from the East London club are set to travel to Turkey to complete a deal worth £8.5million for N’Diaye.

But, Newcastle could now have a say in where the eight-time capped Senegal international plays his football next season as the Magpies look to add to their squad on their return to the Premier League.

N’Diaye, who still has three years remaining on his contract with Osmanlispor impressed in Turkey in the last campaign with a return of seven goals and three assists in 42 matches in all competitions.

Football Insider verdict:

Last season often saw Newcastle play with one of Mohamed Diame or Ayoze Perez in the attacking midfield role and while those two names are good enough for the Championship, they are unlikely to cause many problems to Premier League defences. N’Diaye himself is unproven in England with the majority of the eight-time capped Senegal international’s senior experience coming in Turkey’s highest division to date. However, if both Newcastle and West Ham scouts have identified him as a suitable transfer target then he must have something about him. A cost of £8.5million is also well within Newcastle’s price range and in a summer where fees have been heavily inflated they should certainly consider making a move when a player like N’Diaye becomes available.